FAA Delays Certification of Boeing's MAX 10 Over Software Issue

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed certification of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 due to a software issue, which can cause pilots to lose automated vertical flight guidance during a specific missed-approach procedure.

Boeing had expected the FAA to approve the aircraft as early as this week, but regulator Bryan Bedford confirmed the delay on September 28. The agency will not proceed until it is satisfied that the problem has been addressed.

The issue affects newer versions of the flight management computer software and can occur after pilots abandon a landing attempt and change their programmed flight path. Boeing says existing procedures allow pilots to safely handle the condition, but the delay adds uncertainty to the certification process for the 737 MAX 10.